Jean Elizabeth Langenhuizen

I have finally closed this earthly chapter and been welcomed into another realm of existence, joining all those I have known and loved and have gone before me. I am at peace and in the presence of my God, my Savior, and my Comforter.

I was born into this life to Gordon and Lucille (Sigl) Vandenberg. I had 12 learning years at St. John Grade and High School in Little Chute, WI. My working years at the Kimberly Mill; pre-school teacher aide at St. John’s, Little Chute and Holy Name, Kimberly; and managing apartments have all taught me life lessons and kept me humble. I have made many friends in my life, but none as close as my twin sister, forever friend, and womb-mate, Jane (deceased), along with my younger sister, Beth, who has kept me laughing even when she was in pain. God also gifted me with 3 brothers, John (deceased), Ron, and Tom whose humor, independence, and greatness never went unnoticed or unappreciated. My husband, Tom, always encouraged me to be my own person and his strength has carried me through many rough times of self-doubt with his common sense approach to everything I feared. His love and patience never failed.

I have been truly blessed with an amazing daughter, Karyn, who has given me great joy and pride in her accomplishments and the person she has turned out to be. God blessed my life when He gave me you.

Lastly, my legacy, Morgan Paige, very GRAND daughter from heaven, who has been a source of abundant love and has kept me looking forward to every moment with her and the many talents she possesses. You are a miracle!! You will always be “my sweetness.”

I have no regrets; just lessons learned that, hopefully, made me a better person for having lived through them. I have been hurt by many and have forgiven all, so I can move on.

To all who live on after me: my husband, Thomas Lee Langenhuizen; daughter, Karyn (Rick) Rittenhouse; granddaughter, Morgan Paige Rittenhouse; brothers, Ron Vandenberg and Tom (Ann) Vandenberg; and youngest sister, Beth (Frank) Sprangers: you have given me hope, strength, patience, wisdom, and your enduring love when I felt I did not deserve it. I have been gifted by your presence in my life.

To my Langenhuizen in-laws: Ron and Dee; Mark and LuAnn; Jane and Vic Warner; Lori and Jim Van Dyke; and my Vandenberg in-laws: Nancy Vandenberg, Ann Vandenberg, and Frank Sprangers: thank you for being a part of my life journey. I am happy to have walked it with you.

To my many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and their families: you were always in my prayers, on my mind, and in my heart. I have enjoyed watching you grow to become the wonderful people you are today. Keep the faith and pass it on.

My forever friends: Sandi E, Mary W, and all who have touched my life at one time or another; you have given me the greatest gift: your friendship. My heart has so much love for you.

I am now reunited with all who have gone before me: parents, Gordon and Lucille (Sigl) Vandenberg; brother, John Vandenberg; twin sister, Jane (Dennis) Hooyman; parents-in-law, George and Ila Mae (Friebel) Langenhuizen; brother-in-law, Lyle Langenhuizen; sister-in-law, Nancy Langenhuizen; nephew, Tim Langenhuizen; grandparents, Godparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and numerous friends and acquaintances.

I have spent a good share of my adult life learning to live with my “flaws” and trying to see myself as my Creator sees me, as “very good” (Genesis 1:31) with gifts and talents that I have shared with many over the years, whether it be a specially designed card; a poem or skit; a knitted or crocheted piece; a wooden project (made by my husband) that I helped design or finish; words of encouragement, understanding, and advice; or a shoulder to cry on.

In the eyes of the world, I was not famous, wealthy, powerful, or perfect. In God’s eyes, I was his perfect creation. I pray you all will see yourselves as He sees you and know His love is forever yours.

My wish is to be remembered inn a special way by all who knew me. CELEBRATE my life by giving to Harbor House or Pillars (formerly Homeless Connections). This is all I want – for you to pass it on. Shalom!

Till we meet again in glory.

A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a time for sharing at 3:00 PM.

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” – Romans 8:18